My parents looked like zombies. They looked as if they hadn’t slept in days. I know understood why. They also looked like they had been bombarded with news that I had cancer. “Sure.” They stated simultaneously. Alrighty then! I’m staying in the hospital for the night. Hospital food is awesome, including their pudding.
“Yeah! Hospital food is awesome!” I said in a sing-song voice.
Dr. Cartwright chuckled, “You know for a girl who has been sleeping for 2 days, you’re really hyper.”
“When she eats food from Donny’s Diner, she automatically has kilowatts of energy. Jasmine explained.
He chuckled again, “I see. Well, I’m going to leave you with my trusted nurse, Rita. She’s going help you make it through the night. Pillows, blankets, movies, food, she’ll get it for you. Rita!” he said as Rita came into the room.
“Hi. I’m Rita Torres. I’ll be your right-hand lady, I guess for the night.” She looked to my parents. “Will you be staying the night?”
My dad moved his hands through his hair and raised his hand. “I will. I mean, I am.”
“Okay. Well the hospital is closing in 20 minutes,” she looked at my mom and the Carmichael clan, “do you want to stay here for a couple of more minutes or something?”
“What time is it?” I asked.
“It’s 7:40.” My dad said.
“I’m just going leave right now.” My mom said. She walked toward me and gave me a kiss on my forehead. “Goodnight, baby! I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” my mom had tears in her eyes, tears that I knew all too well. “Mom don’t cry, please? It’s not like the last time. He can’t hurt us anymore. It’s okay.” I whispered while I hugged her. “I love you.” I whispered. She cracked a smile. “I love you, too!” she whispered back. We let each other out of each other’s embrace. She, then walked out of the room.
The Carmichael clan was next. All of them gave me a big bear hug. Wow! This people sure know how to cut off a person’s air supply. Jasmine was the first person to let go.
“Bye Cathy Cat. See you later.” She’s too cute.
“Bye Jazzy Bear. I love you.”
“I love you too. I hope you get better.”
“I will.” Jasmine walked to the door and waited for her mom and siblings.
Tyler was next to let me go.
“Bye, Catherine. I’ll see you later.” He gave me a kiss on the cheek. He walked to Jasmine and grabbed her hand. Well he looked sad. Next up, was Mrs. Carmichael, the mother of the three kids. She and Cassidy let go of me.
“I know you’re going to be fine. I love you. I’m going to see you tomorrow, little lady.” Mrs. Carmichael told me as she kissed my forehead. Last but not least, was Cassidy. She hugged me again and nearly killed me. Her family must have a thing of cutting off oxygen. “Bye Cathy. I love you. I’m seeing you tomorrow. I wish I couldn’t go to school, but I have to. Frowny face. I love you. You’re going to be okay, alright? And I will tell your boyfriend that you are okay.”
“Thank you, Cass. I love you too.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.” She and her mom left. I didn’t even notice the cute doctor. He was just standing there, watching me. Forget about the cuteness, that’s just creepy.
“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Saben.” He shook my dad’s hand and my dad thanked him.
“Bye, Catherine. I hope you wake up tomorrow. And that you’re alert, okay?”
“Don’t worry, I will.” I told him.
“Goodnight, Rita. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Dr. Cartwright.” Rita said as she smiled. I turned to my dad. I heard Dr. Cartwright and Rita whispering. I couldn’t hear most of it, but the words, “Don’t let her out of your sight” and “Remember, God is watching.” Weird.
